Athena hit rock bottom. A mental health breakdown put her in the hospital, and when she was released, she was homeless. She had no one to count on except herself, but she didn’t think of herself as a dependable person. She had been struggling with homelessness for almost four years and was in a toxic relationship.
Athena found help and support when she came to Goodwill. Goodwill gave her bus passes and classes to help her find a job and build employment skills. Goodwill’s Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Program helped Athena with the money she needed to resolve legal issues and restore her nursing license. With her license restored, Athena was able to get back to full-time work in the career she loves.
Athena needed help getting to her night shift, so HEN came to her aid by getting her a bicycle. “I can now get back and forth to work safely and not have to walk during the night alone,” she said.
HEN also provided Athena with a laptop, which she is using to further her education. She is working toward a degree in nursing so that she can become a registered nurse. Athena said that Goodwill has given her the support that she needed.
“I feel like Goodwill has helped me get my life back,” said Athena. “I now have a relationship with my 11-year-old daughter, and I am mending my relationships and building trust with my family. I am working full time doing what I love. Goodwill has given me a fresh start and a new outlook on life. I feel Goodwill has been an angel in some of my lowest times in life.”
“Without Goodwill I honestly do not know where I would be today. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I see light now in my life instead of confusion and darkness like I did before, walking aimlessly down the streets of Spokane.”